2011 NHRA Kicks Off in Style

The Auto Club Raceway, Pomona, was abuzz with excitement as the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series got underway. There were some concerns as the weather during the qualifying days was marked by intermittent rain, but it also allowed for teams to enjoy fierce competition in varying weather conditions, leading to much action and excitement. The four day event was enjoyed by both competitors and spectators, providing unexpected results and surprising outcomes that had everyone at the edges of their seats.

Fans in the stands were confident that last year’s two top drivers were going to make a huge impact on the series, but were greatly disappointed when both Larry Dixon and John Force fell out of contention in their respective categories. There are four main divisions in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, namely Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and PS Motorcycle. Over the course of the series, drivers gain points with each event that takes place throughout the year, allowing officials to determine who the top drivers of that year were. John Force was the champion of the Funny Car division last year, while Larry Dixon took the Top Fuel victory with ease.

With the first event of the series this year, John Force only got as far as the second round in the funny car eliminations, while Larry Dixon only made the top fuel first round. The top fuel event came down to the Lucas Oil drivers, Morgan Lucas (Son of Lucas Oil owner) and Shawn Langdon, who have been friends since school. When Lucas was asked about his victory, he commented: “I have never been in the points in Top Fuel before, and I don’t really even know how to feel right now.” Robert Hight (John Force’s son-in-law), put John Force out of contention, and went on to beat Matt Hagan in the finals for the Funny Car.

Jason Line, on the other hand, qualified eleventh in the Pro Stock division, but seemed to have his game face on, on race day as he raced to victory in his Summit Racing Equipment Pontiac. It was his twenty-second victory and he was extremely happy with the outcome and his car’s performance. Line, Lucas and Hight ensured that there was excitement every step of the way, and started their season on a very high note.